Remove Canon P frame line?

[Jamie Pillers]

I searched through the threads here but didn't see anyone attempting this. So...

Has anyone here removed a frame line from their Canon P viewfinder (or any rangefinder camera for that matter), or do you know if its possible ? I'd like to remove the 100mm lines... the view would be then be perfect! 🙂

Got to go get a few hours sleep. I'll check in later today. Thanks for any help.

 

[Bill58]

I would suggest sending a PM to Brian Sweeney, a member here. If anybody knows how, he does. If you get an answer, I'd luv to know too--good idea, since I always use an accessory VF and the lines are just unnecessary clutter.

 

[Mackinaw]

Quick answer. probably yes. I believe both of the framelines are "etched" onto a piece of glass that reflects up into the viewfinder. Shouldn't be a big deal to remove that piece if glass. What I don't know if removing this part of the viewfinder assembly will affect it's overall performance. The overall image may be fuzzier, etc.

Jim B.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Thanks everyone. This all sounds useful. I'll contact Brian and I'll let you know what he says.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

This does not look too hard to do, looking at a parts camera.

The top plate comes off, revealing the inner surfaces of the viewfinder. The gold painted lines are exposed once the top is off. I suspect they will scrape off with a little bit of work, exacto knife or razor.

 

[Sonnar2]

Keep using the camera for a while, you won't "see" the 100mm if you don't need it...

 

[PatrickT]

Not to bump an old thread, but has anyone actually done this?

 

[paniolo]

Not to bump an old thread, but has anyone actually done this?

 

[kentchung]

I was trying to buy a P from a seller today and the camera did not have any frame line, none. So I assume that means it's possible to remove 1, 2, or all 3 sets of frame line somehow.

 

[Red Robin]

Removing Frame Lines?

Removing Frame Lines?

I suppose most anything can be done but why? Different strokes and all that, but to this user the "P" is about as good as it gets! Use your P till you don't even notice the lines when using this fine camera. The lines become a "second nature" aid for composition. There are other cameras out there without these helpful lines however, they aren't Canon P's.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I suppose most anything can be done but why?

I think it's a great idea. If I still had my Canon P I'd definitely consider this modification.
IMO no framelines would be a great improvement, as all I shoot is 35mm.
The 35mm framelines are at the extreme edges anyway and quite hard to see;
the others are distracting, and useless to me.

Chris

 

[Dez]

Different strokes, I guess. Myself, I find the framelines very useful in that they constantly show the framing for the other lenses in my bag, and I don't find them distracting. Be aware though, if you do the mod, you can forget about ever selling the camera to someone else unless you luck into someone with the same unusual preference.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Bill58]

I use accessory finders from Cameraquest for all my lenses on my P. They're brighter and more clear, but tether/ secure them somehow--you can lose them. Don't ask me how I know!

 

[newspaperguy]

Agreeing with Texas Bill.

I've used a noose of mono fishing line around the base, with a fishing snap-link on the end to attach to my neckstrap ring ever since I had one of those expensive mistakes.🙁